Lab Safety
Recognize, Assess, Minimize, and Prepare for Lab Hazards
There are a variety of hazards that may be found in a laboratory. Know the hazards of the materials you will work with. Read lab safety and experiment procedures, chemical SDS and agent biosafety summaries/practices before starting. Safety is everyone's responsibility. Don't allow yourself to become complacent over time. Consider others and maintain a clean working environment. Please email us at EHS@uhcl.edu if you need assistance with resources or information on requirements.
Lab Safety Procedures and Reference Information
- Laboratory Safety Policy
- Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan
- Hazard Communication Plan
Chemical Labels & Labeling - Replacing original labels, labeling secondary containers (prepared solutions, samples), and Wastes
- Secondary Container Label Template - 2 x 4 with Pictograms
- Secondary Container Label Template - 2 x 2.6 with Checkboxes
- Replacement Labels Template - for original containers
Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories - American Chemical Society publication
Pregnant Lab Workers Declaration Procedures
Student Researchers Policy & Procedures, Application, Release form
Minors in the Lab Policy & Procedures (non-UHCL students, including 12th grade) and Application, POI form, Release of Indemnification form
Laboratory and/or Equipment Checkout Procedures
Inspections
The Lab Safety Institute has compiled over 5,000 examples of accidents in labs for over 40 years. They have published these examples for purchase in bulk, or as a summary. Here is the index of other accident examples, and some of the worst in their 100 Years of Progress. Please contact x.2106 for access.
Lab Safety Training
See the Laboratory Training Matrix for what is required to conduct work in a UHCL lab.
- Student Lab Safety Training Policy
- Advanced Lab Safety Training Policy for TA's, RA's, Graduate Independent Studies, Lab Faculty and Staff
Training Enrollment
Students taking laboratory courses utilizing chemicals are enrolled at the beginning of every semester in Lab Safety Training within Canvas. Late registering students must email coen@uhcl.edu for enrollment.
A separate Advanced Lab Safety Training course is given to TA's, RA's, Graduate Independent Studies, and Lab Faculty and Staff.
Additional lab specific trainings are available as modules within the Canvas Lab Safety Training Topics course.
Training Courses
These training presentations may be taken in Canvas. See the Lab Training Matrix for a list of what training and frequency is required for your lab.
- Lab and Chemical Safety Training - including Hazard Communication, fire and emergencies, first aid, bloodborne pathogens awareness
- Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories - American Chemical Society Publication (resource)
- Chemical Labels and Labeling - Relabeling original containers, labeling Secondary containers (prepared solutions, samples), Waste labels
- Fume Hoods User Training
- Waste handling, Collection & Labeling
- Autoclave, Disinfection, and Blood Borne Pathogens Training
Videos
- Lab Safety Institute Favorites
- Chemical Safety Board Videos- search for Experimenting with Danger, and After the Rainbow
Humorous Videos
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE may be purchased at the bookstore. If purchased elsewhere, it must match the same protection as those chosen for sale at the bookstore. i.e., same length lab coat down legs and long sleeves, same size and design safety glasses and goggles with indirect vents and Z87 impact rating.
Lab Coats
Lab coats must be full length to the knees with long sleeves. Dental coats or doctors coats do not provide sufficient coverage. A blend of polyester and cotton is recommended to retain both liquid and flame retardant properties. 100% polyester lab coats shall not be used with flammable or pyrophoric materials. 100% cotton absorbs chemicals more easily and burns hotter in a fire if they do catch fire.
Safety goggles
Safety goggles with indirect vents are required for use with liquids, as the risk of splash and drip into the eye is present. Safety goggles should fit the face well to provide a seal. Safety glasses may be used with dry materials, and are chosen to provide the most coverage.
Gloves
Gloves are not suitable for use with every chemical. There are many types of glove materials. Each type is compatible and incompatible with different materials. Search by chemical for the recommended glove type, and then by the manufacturer for breakthrough time (length of time use) for that glove thickness.
- Example: Best Brand N-Dex regular disposable gloves are not suitable for concentrated sulfuric acid. They have a breakthrough time of 10 minutes or less.
- Some Different Glove Types and Uses
- Glove Selection by Chemical Search-Cole Parmer
- Chemical Resistance Guide - Permeation & Degradation Data
Chemical Inventory
The UHCL Chemical Inventory is compiled within the OnSite Environmental Health & Safety Assistant (EHSA) software. Chemical inventory is required by law annually, and serves several functions:
- To know what materials are present and assess their hazards
- A list of SDS needed, and repository to store SDS for reviewing hazards of chemicals used, hazard planning, training and first aid purposes
- Use for several agency reports (e.g., DEA, TCEQ, DSHS)
- Allow faculty to share or dispose of items.
- Chemical Inventory Template for Import into OnSite
- Requirement and Completion information
- Notice to Employees, and en español
Chemical Safety
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Login with your UHCL credentials to Search for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on the chemicals you will work with: https://onsite.uhcl.edu/ehsa/login?/showSdsHubSearch
Go to the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) page for additional information, and manufacturer's links to obtain SDS for your lab or chemical inventory.
Hazard Communication
- Labels and Labeling Requirements - Replacing original labels, labeling secondary containers (prepared solutions, samples), and Wastes
- Secondary Container Label Template - 2 x 4 with Pictograms
- Secondary Container Label Template - 2 x 2.6 with Checkboxes
- Replacement Labels Template - for original containers
Program Information
Hazard Information
- Chemical Labels 2015+ (Ingles y en Espanol)
- Chemical Labels 2015+ & prior NFPA diamond hazards
- Pictograms & Hazards List (Ingles y en Espanol)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) chemical information fields
- Ficha de datos de seguridad (SDS) campos de información química
- Chemical Inventory requirement
Chemical Compatibility and Storage
- Berkeley Segregation and Compatibility
- Classes of INCOMPATIBLE Materials
- DOT Segregation Table (used for transportation safety)
- EPA Chemical Compatibility Chart
High Hazard Materials
- PYROPHORIC Chemicals – DOE Handbook
- PYROPHORIC Materials – University of Berkeley
- WATER REACTIVE Chemicals – University of Berkeley
- Peroxide Forming Chemicals Storage Chart
- Peroxide Forming Chemicals Labels
- Controlled (Drug) Precursor Chemicals and Glassware
Biological Safety
- UH-Biological Safety Manual
- UHCL Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
- UHCL Autoclave, Disinfection, and Blood Borne Pathogens Training for Labs (taken in blackboard, Employee EHS training)
- Autoclave Procedures
- Autoclave Log and Efficacy Testing Sheets
- Autoclave Bag Tags
See below for Biological Safety Cabinet and Fume Hood use information.
Incident Reporting
All incidents and injuries on campus or University business must be reported within 24 hours to EHS@UHCL.edu, with employee incidents to HumanResources@uhcl.edu also.
If you witness an incident, a witness statement must be submitted.
Go to the Incident Reporting Forms section on the EHS Forms page for fillable pdf forms for employees, students and visitors, and witnesses.
In the same way accidents/incidents are investigated for actions to prevent recurrence, it is important to learn from near misses and eliminate unsafe conditions to prevent an accident from actually occurring.
UHCL asks that all employees report and correct potential hazards concerns and near misses immediately to help prevent incidents and maintain a safe work environment. Incidents that result in damage to equipment must be reported within 24 hours. Submit these reports to EHS@uhcl.edu.
(Accident theory model illustration by Heinrich & Bird)
Environmental Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA) Software
UHCL uses this software to keep track of regulatory obligations, chemical inventories, SDS, etc. Login is the same as your UHCL user id and password. There is also a searchable database hub for SDS.
Fume Hoods and Biosafety Cabinets
Labs may be equipped with chemical fume hood(s) and/or biological safety cabinets. Here is information on safe work practices, how they work, and a decision matrix for selecting the right one.
Chemical Fume Hoods
- Fume Hoods User Guide training
- User Information Posted on fume hoods
- Fume Hood diagram and Safety Reminders
- Fume Hood Containment illustrations
Biological Safety Cabinets
Waste
- Lab Waste Handling Chart - Overview of all lab wastes
- Chemical & Hazardous Wastes
- Waste Labeling Instructions
- Waste Stream Information Form
- Broken Glass box sign
- Glass Handling and Disposal - Intact or Broken
- Controlled Glassware and Precursor Chemicals
- Lab Waste Training
See Biological Safety section for biological waste and autoclaving procedures.
Wastes are picked up at least twice a year from designated waste storage areas. Lab size (<5 gal) waste containers should be brought to the designated waste storage area when full. Contact Grotewold@uhcl.edu for questions or assistance.
Laser Safety
Class 3b and 4 lasers must be approved and registered with the state. New laser proposals and new authorized users must be requested by sub-registration application or amendment to the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) x.2107 to obtain prior authorization and training.
- Notice to Employees: Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation - Lasers (PDF)
- Laser Safety Awareness & Refresher Training - for guests and visitors (taken in Blackboard, Employee EHS training shell)
- UHCL Certificate of Registration for Lasers - License with the State
- Laser Safety Manual UHCL
- Laser Sub-registration Amendment form - to request new lasers or users
Laser Regulations and Requirements
Radiation Safety
Only individuals authorized by state license may possess and use radioactive materials. New users must petition, through the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) x.2107, an amendment to the present radiation license to obtain permission.
Radioisotope Regulations
- Texas Health and Human Services: Laws and Rules - Radioactive Materials Licensing
- 25 TAC 289.252 Licensing of Radioactive Material
- 25 TAC 289.228 Radiation Safety Requirements for Analytical Machines
- 25 TAC 289.231 General Provisions and Standards for Protection Against Machine Produced Radiation
- 25 TAC 289.255 Radiation Safety Requirements for sources of radiation used in machines
X-Ray Safety Program
All equipment producing x-rays must be approved and registered with the state. New equipment proposals and new authorized users must be requested by sub-registration application or amendment to the X-ray Radiation Safety Officer (XRSO) x.2107 to obtain prior authorization and training.
- X-Ray Radiation Safety Manual
- X-Ray Equipment Application (sub-registration to request new equipment)
- X-Ray Equipment Amendment Form (to update users or equipment use)
- UHCL Certificate of Registration for X-Ray Registration - License with the State
- Notice to Employees: Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation (PDF)
X-Ray Regulations
- Texas Health and Human Services: Laws and Rules - X-Ray Machines and Services
- 25 TAC 289.226 Registration of Radiation Machine Use and Services
- 25 TAC 289.227 Use of Radiation Machines in the Healing Arts
- 25 TAC 289.228 Radiation Safety Requirements for Analytical Machines
- 25 TAC 289.231 General Provisions and Standards for Protection Against Machine Produced Radiation